US naval forces have forced eight Iran-linked oil tankers to turn back since Monday, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Citing officials, WSJ reported that US forces contacted the vessels via radio after they departed from or approached Iranian ports and instructed them to reverse course, reports Al Jazeera.
In each case, the tankers complied with the instructions, and no boarding operations were carried out.
The developments come amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and increased US naval activity in the region.
Meanwhile, The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the ongoing blockade on Iranian ports is being enforced against vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iran’s coastal areas.
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In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation is being carried out “impartially” and includes US Navy guided-missile destroyers as part of the assets enforcing the blockade, reports Al Jazeera.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the blockade has been “fully implemented,” claiming US forces have established maritime superiority in the region.
“An estimated 90% of Iran’s economy is fuelled by international trade by sea,” he said on X, adding that US forces have “completely halted” maritime trade in and out of Iran within 36 hours.